You search for an app to learn your lines and find ten names that all promise the same thing. They don't do the same thing: some replay your own recorded voice, others use a synthetic voice, some listen to you, others run on a timer, and few work in any language other than English.
The short version: pick by language and platform first, then by what you want to practice. For English on iPhone with an app that recognizes your cues, coldRead is the most installed. For AI line reading and self-tapes in English, Linus, ScenePartner and Rafy are built for that market. For French on a phone with a large library of classics, Imparato is the long-standing reference. For working in the browser in five European languages with a built-in self-tape studio, La Réplique (our app) is made for that. They all have a free tier or trial: test two apps on the same scene before paying.
Disclosure: this article is published by La Réplique, which is one of the apps compared. Information about the other apps comes from their websites and App Store listings, checked on September 28, 2026. Prices change: check with each developer.
The criteria that actually matter
- Language. Most apps are built for English. Check that the interface and, above all, the voices exist in your language.
- Who reads the other part. Your own recorded voice, a synthetic voice, or a person.
- Does the app listen to you? An app that waits for your line lets you take your time; one that runs on a timer imposes a rhythm.
- Platform. iPhone only, Android, browser.
- Self-tape. Some read the other lines while you film.
- Price and model. One-off purchase, subscription, limited free tier.
The table
| App | Platforms | Languages | What sets it apart | Listed price (Sept 28, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| coldRead | iPhone, iPad, Mac | English | Recognizes your cues and keeps the scene moving; widely installed (3,900+ ratings on the US App Store) | Free to download on the App Store |
| LineLearner | iPhone, Android | English | The classic method: record every line and the app plays the other parts back | About $4 on the US App Store |
| Linus | Web, iPhone, Android | 12 languages claimed | AI line learning and self-tape | Free, Pro $9.99/mo, Premium $19.99/mo |
| ScenePartner | Web, iPhone | English | AI line reader for auditions and self-tapes | Free (3 auditions), Plus $12.99/mo, Pro $29.99/mo |
| Rafy | iPhone, Android, web | English | Audition and self-tape practice | $9.99 to $24.99/mo |
| blablabla | iPhone (Android in beta) | Voices in many languages | Distinct voices per role, works offline | Free (2 scenes), Pro $6.99/mo |
| Rehearsal Pro | iPhone | English | Long-standing app, one-off purchase | $19.99 on the US App Store |
| Imparato | iPhone, Android, web | French first | "Italian run" rehearsal, 8 voices, advertised library of 458 texts | Free and paid tiers, see site |
| La Réplique | Browser (desktop and mobile) | French, English, Spanish, German, Italian | Listens before moving on, progressive line hiding, self-tape studio with link tracking | Free plan (1 scene), Pro €19/mo or €169/yr |
Detailed one-on-one comparisons: Linus, ScenePartner, Rafy, ActOnCue, LineLearner, ScriptRehearser, Imparato.
Which app for which need?
You audition in English on iPhone. coldRead, Linus, ScenePartner or Rafy are built for that market; coldRead is the most installed.
You work in French, Spanish, German or Italian. The choice is thin. Check that the voices really exist in your language: Linus claims twelve languages, blablabla offers multilingual voices, Imparato focuses on French, La Réplique has interface and voices in all five.
You want an app that waits for you rather than a timer. Look for cue recognition (coldRead, La Réplique, and others according to their descriptions) rather than a recording with fixed gaps like LineLearner.
You shoot self-tapes without a reader. Linus, ScenePartner, Rafy and La Réplique read the other lines while you record. La Réplique adds a link to send to casting, with open tracking.
You don't have a reliable connection. blablabla advertises offline use; La Réplique needs a connection.
What no app does
None of them replaces analyzing the scene, a human scene partner, or a coach. They help you learn and run lines when nobody's available. How to rehearse without a scene partner explains how to combine them with the rest of your prep.
FAQ
What is the best app for actors to learn lines? The one that exists in your language and on your platform and matches how you work. In English on iPhone, coldRead is the most established; for AI self-tape reading, Linus, ScenePartner and Rafy; in the browser, in five languages, with a self-tape studio, La Réplique.
Is there a free line learning app? Every app in the table has a free tier, trial or free download, with different limits. La Réplique's free plan covers one personal scene with no card.
Can an app replace a scene partner? No. It reads the other lines and helps you memorize. The surprise and eyes of a human partner remain irreplaceable before an audition or opening night.